Officials say woman dead after Hazleton fire

HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Officials say a woman died after a structure fire in Hazleton Saturday afternoon.

Officials say at 3:45 p.m., the Hazleton City Fire Department was called to the 700 block of North Locus Street in Hazleton Saturday for a reported working structure fire.

Upon arrival, the Hazleton Police Department explained in a release smoke and fire were pouring out from the residence, and crews on scene quickly knocked down the blaze.

Hazleton City Fire Chief Donald Leshko told 28/22 News on scene one woman, later identified by Hazleton Police as 83-year-old Kathleen Herchel was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital.

While firefighters were extinguishing the flames, oxygen tanks in the front of the house exploded, according to Fire Chief Leshko.

Hazleton Police Detectives and Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal were on scene and determined Herchel passed away.

Chief Leshko later told 28/22 News the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Hazleton Fire Department, Hazleton Police Department, and PSP Fire Marshall.

The second resident, who wasn’t home at the time, is currently staying with friends and family, according to Fire Chief Leshko.

This is a developing story and 28/22 News will give updates as new information is made available.

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